Page:Williams and Calvert, Fiji and the Fijians, New York, 1860.djvu/307

 ONo. 277 learning it. 25th, Christmas-day. — "We had an excellent time at our prayer-meeting in the morning, and also at our preaching in the forenoon. Many of the people wept and shouted aloud for joy at the commemoration of the birth of the Lord of life and glory ; and, what is better, they show, by their lives, that their professions of love are not pro- fessions merely, but a blessed reality. After service, the people partook of their Christ- mas feast in our garden. Their fare was plain ; but they partook of it with gladness and unity of hearts. Eating togther in this way was unknown to them in their heathen state ; but they now enjoy it exceedingly, and it tends to promote brotherly feelings. " 29th. — We held a love-feast at Ono Levu, at which most of the people from all the other towns were present. Between thirty and forty spoke their religious experience, briefly, but to the point, and with deep feeling. I will give an abstract of what some of them related ; and am only sorry that I cannot give it the effect which it would have, if spoken in their own language and own manner. Nathan Thataki, Local Preacher, said, — • I repented, and was very much ashamed. I became acquainted with my sins one Sunday. I looked to every thing on earth, and found no Saviour : I then looked to Jesus, and knew that in him I had salvation.' Joel Ketetha, a very acceptable Local Preacher,said, — * Ju- lias Naulavou met me one Sunday, (I did not know it was Sunday, being a Heathen,) and took hold of my hand, and said, " Young man, what are you seeking in the world ? If you are seeking happiness in riches, or anything else this earth can afford, you will not find it. Seek the Lord, and you will find it." ' He began to attend the means of grace, and Julias's words ended in his sound conversion; Meshach Senimbua, Teacher, said, — ' One great thing I know is, my sins ; another is, the love of God. It is a new thing for me to love men. When I hear of men that I have not seen, I love them ; and I love those I have seen. I know that this is (the effect of) the love of God (in my soul).' Zephaniah Tui Moala, the old Chief, — ' These are new things to me in these days,' (referring to our love- feasts). ' I did not know them formerly. My soul is humbled. I rejoice greatly in the Lord. I rejoice greatly for sending His servants.' It was a great effort for him to speak, through the deep feeling of his soul. Jonah Tonga, Tongan Teacher, — ' I desire that God may rule over (or direct) me. I desire not to govern myself. I know that I am a child of God : I know that God is my father. My friends wrote for me to go to Tonga; but I wondered at it. I wish to obey the Father of my soul.' Isaiah Vata, Local Preacher, — * I know that God is near, and helps me sometimes in my work. I love all men. I do not fear death ; one thing I fear, the Lord.' Ham Kara, Local Preacher, — ' Sometimes I did not expect to live so long as to-day ; therefore I strive to do the will of God. I rejoice that the Lord has called me to His work. If God see fit to take me to another land, to preach the Gospel, well : if He see fit that I should die in Ono, very good. I intend that God should rule me.' Joel Moto, Local Preacher, — * I repented. I could not rest. I knew how great the wrath of God was. I feared only for many months, perhaps four ; then the Spirit of God bore witness with my spirit that I was His child. Sometimes I still feel that my sins are great, but that God saves me again.' Leva Soko, a female Class-Leader, a most holy woman, amongst other things, said, — ' My child died, but I loved God the more. My body has been much afflicted, but I love Him the more. I know that death would only unite me to God.' John Toka, Teacher from Ongea, a native of Ono, but who was here on a visit, spoke very affectingly and nobly : — I might preach Christ. I was struck with stones twice while in my own house ; but I could bear it. When the canoes came, they pillaged my garden ; but my mind was not pained at it : I bore it only. If I am to eat vua ni Jcacu, (" bad food," very good ; ' — he meant, for the cause of Christ. Poor fellow, there is a sad contrast between Ono and Ongea ; the former being one of the best islands in Fiji for food, and Ongea one of the worst : yet he was nobly willing to endure anything for the people's sake and the Gos- pel's. Elijah Mbila,— * I know that there is no good thing in my heart. I know that God
 * I have formerly shown my early experience. When I first heard the Gospel preached,
 * I did not leave Ono (to go to Ongea) that I might have more food. I desired to go that